The soon-to-be annexed section of NSW is more or less only accessible from the ACT,Barr pointed out. He said if the geographical landmarks had been taken into consideration when carving the territory into existence last century,the land would most likely already be part of the ACT.
“It’s really a historical quirk that a straight line was drawn through a paddock rather than following the river corridor,” Barr said. “I view it as just correcting a historical anomaly. It’s an incredibly small piece of land.”
The chief minister said the region had been the subject of “engagement” with NSW for about five years,and would result in a massive boost to ACT housing stock.
“The premier has given the verbal go ahead,has contacted me and said ‘this should happen’,and we’ve got in-principle agreement;it’s now just about details,” he said. “I’m pleased it’s now got the formal tick of approval from the premier directly to me,so I take him absolutely at his word.”
A NSW government spokesman said the state was committed to supporting a “commonsense approach” to the delivery of key services and infrastructure for future residents of the cross-border development.